chapter 18

Chapter 18A bold stepShe was amazed at how easy it was to lie. “Since this is my last week at work, my colleagues suggested this outing, ma. I spoke to Nilanjana kaki, and she agreed to come over. Just for two days… Do you think you can manage?”Her mother was thoughtful, but even she couldn’t deny her daughter this small request considering she had never left her and gone before. “Of course!” she said and joined in enthusiastically to pack the right clothes for her daughter.Anu couldn’t believe it when she found herself in a Bolero with Chintan at the wheel. She couldn’t help relishing the sudden sense of freedom she felt. She didn’t know the oppressive atmosphere of her house had made her feel so trapped. Impulsively, she touched Chintan’s hand resting on the gear and said, “Thanks.”Chintan’s eyes were shining in anticipation. “You will give your heart to this place and never want to return to the pollution of Delhi,” he said.She could picture the landscape he painted for her – the snow-capped hills surrounding the valley his farm was in, the clear air, the bright sky, the fresh smell of the place. She closed her eyes and leaned back, already transported to this land of her dreams.“You look so different, talking about the farms and the hills…so much happier,” she said.“Yes, I just love the open spaces.”“And organic farming?” He nodded. “I read your blogs,” she said.“Really?”She nodded. “Was looking for the lyricist we had been promised,” she teased him.He quoted from a Hindi movie song – ‘Main shaayar to nahin…magar ai haseen’ (I am no poet, but o beautiful one...) She laughed in pleasure, cutting his plagiarism short. “You did wax eloquent about organic farming. So that’s your haseen?”He laughed too, shaking his head. “I thought so too…but obviously, there are other, bigger things in life,” and he winked.She leaned back and smiled. “You are so unlike your father, Chintan.”“Thank you!” he said. “That’s a big compliment, or I hope that’s how you meant it!” and he laughed.She smiled. “You don’t seem to have inherited his temper.”“Oh that! Don’t depend on it. It comes out at unexpected moments. But overall, you will find me easy to handle.” As she was silent, he continued, “If you don’t learn from others’ mistakes, then what a wasted life.” He glanced at her. She nodded. “So most of the times, I have learnt to keep it in check. Plus, I am no Arya in the true sense. He has achievements to his name – he is a self-made man, did I tell you that? I am not. I still need his money for some things. So that changes things a bit.” He sounded bitter.She touched his arm. “He didn’t take up the challenges you have taken, did he?”“Makes me feel good, your saying it…but he had his challenges…” He shook his head. “Oh let’s not get into this debate. Tell me about yourself.”She did, and was dismayed that it took up just a few lines! No achiever for a father, a shadow of a mother, and a mundane life rolling in a rut. “That summarises it,” she said, smiling as she finished.He touched her head and smiled. “It’s a blessing. No precedent to judge yourself by,” he said candidly.“Each to himself,” she said lamely, not wanting to argue, but realising the chasm that separated their lives.